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Graduate Student Research Assistant Jobs in Virginia

Research Assistant

Blacksburg, VA

$17 - $23.25/hr

Research Assistant Apply now Back to search results Job no: 533999 Work type: Staff Senior ... graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a ...

Research Assistant

Blacksburg, VA

$17 - $23.25/hr

Research Assistant Apply now Back to search results Job no: 535375 Work type: Staff Senior ... graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a ...

Research Assistant

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$21.49 - $35.03/hr

Tuition and Student Loan Assistance : offering up to $5,250 per year in education assistance and up ... Research Assistant The Research Assistant assists in the collection, validation and entry of data ...

Research Assistant

Fairfax, VA

$19.75 - $27/hr

Tuition and Student Loan Assistance : offering up to $5,250 per year in education assistance and up ... Research Assistant The Research Assistant assists in the collection, validation and entry of data ...

Showing results 21-40

Graduate Student Research Assistant information

See Virginia salary details

$7

$16

$24

How much do graduate student research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate student research assistant in Virginia is $16.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.52 and $18.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a graduate student research assistant?

Graduate Student Research Assistants are graduate-level students who assist faculty or principal investigators in conducting research projects, often as part of their academic training. Their duties may include data collection, analysis, literature reviews, laboratory work, and preparing reports or presentations. These positions provide valuable hands-on research experience and may be funded through grants or university programs. Typically, Graduate Student Research Assistants work part-time while pursuing their graduate degrees, contributing to both their professional development and the progress of the research project.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a graduate student research assistant?

To thrive as a Graduate Student Research Assistant, you need strong analytical abilities, subject-specific knowledge, and enrollment in a relevant graduate program. Familiarity with research software, data analysis tools (such as SPSS, R, or MATLAB), and academic databases is typically required. Excellent time management, communication, and problem-solving skills help you collaborate effectively and balance research with academic responsibilities. These skills are crucial for producing high-quality research, contributing to academic projects, and advancing your academic career.

How does a graduate student research assistant typically collaborate with faculty and other researchers in a university setting?

Graduate Student Research Assistants often work closely with faculty members, postdoctoral researchers, and other graduate students. They may participate in regular lab meetings, contribute to group discussions, and assist in designing and conducting experiments or data analysis. Collaboration is key, as assistants are frequently expected to share findings, provide feedback on others' work, and sometimes co-author papers or presentations. This teamwork not only enhances the research itself but also provides valuable mentorship and networking opportunities for career development.

What is the difference between Graduate Student Research Assistant vs Research Intern?

AspectGraduate Student Research AssistantResearch Intern
Required CredentialsEnrolled graduate student, relevant coursework or degreeUndergraduate or graduate student, often less specialized
Work EnvironmentAcademic labs, university settings, ongoing research projectsResearch labs, industry settings, short-term projects
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, academic research institutionsCorporations, research firms, industry R&D
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding academic research roles, career developmentIndustry experience, internship opportunities

The main difference is that Graduate Student Research Assistants are enrolled students working on academic research projects within universities, often as part of their degree requirements. Research Interns are typically students or early-career individuals gaining industry experience through short-term internships. While both roles involve research tasks, the setting, credentials, and career focus differ.

What are popular job titles related to Graduate Student Research Assistant jobs in Virginia?

For Graduate Student Research Assistant jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Graduate Student Research Assistant jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Graduate Student Research Assistant jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Graduate Student Research Assistant jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Graduate Student Research Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Graduate Student Research Assistant job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,169 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

$17 - $23.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Virginia Tech rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 66 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

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Job description

Research Assistant

Apply now Back to search results Job no: 533999
Work type: Staff
Senior management: Vice President for Research
Department: Fralin Biomedical Res. Institute
Location: Roanoke, Virginia
Categories: Research / Scientific

Job Description

The Shin Lab at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute (VTC, Virginia Tech Carilion) is seeking a full-time Research Assistant to support neuroscience projects and oversee day-to-day laboratory operations. This professional research position is an excellent opportunity for individuals with strong laboratory skills who enjoy working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. Lab Website: https://fbri.vtc.vt.edu/research/labs/shin.html
The successful candidate will play a central role in supporting research projects, managing the mouse colony, and serving as the "go-to" person for lab trainees. We are particularly interested in candidates with hands-on experience in stereotaxic surgery and mouse handling.
Key Responsibilities
Perform stereotaxic surgeries and behavioral assays in mouse models.
Carry out molecular and cellular techniques, including molecular cloning, brain sectioning, cardiac perfusion, and immunohistochemistry.
Conduct tissue culture and assist in viral vector (AAV, Lentivirus) preparation.
Maintain detailed, accurate experimental records in compliance with IBC and IACUC protocols.
Contribute to research team meetings, problem-solving, and data quality improvement.
Manage a large transgenic mouse breeding colony: genotyping, welfare monitoring, and record-keeping.
Ensure the lab is well-organized, compliant with regulations, and that protocols are up to date.
Support and train new lab members in experimental and safety procedures.

Required Qualifications

Proven experience with mouse handling and stereotaxic surgery.
Strong organizational and communication skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a research team.
Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications

Degree or coursework in biosciences, neuroscience, biology, or a related field with substantial laboratory experience.
Prior experience in an academic biomedical research setting.

Pay Band

3

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Commensurate with Experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

9/5/2025

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Brittany Shelton at sheltb@vtc.vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: August 26, 2025
Applications close:

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About Virginia Tech

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Virginia Tech, guided by its motto "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve), embraces a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to educate scholars as leaders and problem-solvers. As a comprehensive land-grant institution, it enriches the quality of life in Virginia and worldwide, fostering an inclusive community focused on knowledge, discovery, and creativity. With over 280 majors, the university serves a diverse student body of more than 36,000 across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Virginia Tech's presence extends throughout Virginia, including campuses in Northern Virginia, Roanoke, Newport News, and Richmond, along with multiple Extension offices and research centers. As a prominent global research institution, it conducts over $500 million in research annually.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Blacksburg, VA, US

Year founded

1872

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